Phillies Moving Closer To Pedro

Chuck Hixson

07/09/2009

After watching Pedro Martinez throw in the Dominican Republic earlier this week, the Phillies continue to move closer to signing Pedro Martinez to a contract.

Pedro Martinez may soon be calling Philadelphia home. The Phillies and the former Mets pitcher have reportedly agreed on a one-year deal valued at $4 million, but there are still details to be worked out. The deal would be pro-rated for the rest of the season. Martinez was initially seeking $5 million with the understanding that he would accept a pro-rated deal.

The Phillies asked Martinez to throw for them again on Friday and after initially refusing, Martinez has now agreed to go through another audition with the Phillies. If all goes well, Martinez could be in Philadelphia Monday for a physical.

Ironically, manager Charlie Manuel seemed less than excited about the prospect of getting Martinez when he was asked about the prospect of signing him earlier in the week.

"For myself, I'm a firm believer that in the Major Leagues today, if you go back and look and you look at All-Star teams and things like that, the good pitchers are young pitchers," said Manuel earlier this week. "Young pitchers with high-ceiling stuff, plus they're good enough right now to throw strikes." Manuel expressed concern that Martinez wouldn't be able to pitch deep enough into games to help the Phillies.